A barber in Dorset is offering a more inclusive experience for trans men, addressing common issues faced during their transition.
Kai Strevens, who works at Winstons Blighty Barbershop in Wimborne, has taken this step after encountering difficulties in finding a suitable masculine haircut himself. He reported facing service refusals, misgendering, and being given feminine hairstyles in the past.
The Barber Council, however, stated it has not received reports or encountered instances of discrimination against transgender individuals in barber shops. For many trans men, obtaining a masculine haircut is an important part of their transition from a female identity.
Kieran Eljay Eaton shared his experience with the BBC, expressing relief at the new service. Previously, he felt uncomfortable after being denied a haircut based on his perceived gender. Eaton noted, “You have to explain that you are a trans male, which means they initially saw you as female, which isn’t what you want.”
Eaton recalled being told, “Sorry, we don’t cut females’ hair; we’re not insured to do a female’s haircut.” He found this response confusing since he was seeking a masculine haircut, which led him to a barbershop in the first place.
He emphasized, “Your haircut completes the look you’re going for so that people actually perceive you as male. The more masculine you can look, the better.”
Kai Strevens empathizes with these challenges, sharing that he was also hesitant to visit barber shops when he began transitioning. “I used to visit my friend for haircuts. If they weren’t available, I’d wait for them because I was afraid of being misgendered or turned away by a new barber,” he explained.
Strevens noted that his customers from the LGBT community appreciate his open attitude. “They don’t feel ashamed to discuss issues related to being transgender, lesbian, or gay with me. I understand their experiences because I am transgender myself,” he said.
In response, the Barber Council stated, “We have not encountered or received reports of trans discrimination in barber shops and are proud of the industry’s progress in offering gender-neutral pricing and services.”
The Barber Council, established in 2014 as part of The Hair Council, oversees the registration of hairdressers and barbers in the UK and encourages reporting any form of discrimination to their office.